According to The Express, Tottenham are lining up a bid for Man United struggler Eric Bailly. 

This is a rumour that will conjure mixed feelings among fans in north London after the Ivorian's indifferent two years at Old Trafford so far. The defender has fallen out of favour with manager José Mourinho on a number of occasions, with the Portuguese publicly criticising his player.

But there may be feeling amongst Spurs fans that manager Mauricio Pochettino could get something out of the player. Although Mourinho has failed to do so, Pochettino has a better record over the last few seasons in developing players. Both Jan Vertonghen and Toby Alderweireld have grown as players whilst with The Lilywhites, as has Dávinson Sánchez after only one season with the club.

The other downside of this deal could be that this signifies the club's defeat in an attempt to sign Dutch centre-back Nathan Aké. With Man United also interested in the player, Spurs may succumb to the financial strength the powerhouse have. But that doesn't stop them getting something out of the deal with Bailly leaving Old Trafford whilst Aké joins.

The 24-year-old Bailly was hotly tipped as one of the biggest prospects in Europe when signing for £30m. While The Red Devils may seek to recoup that fee, it may be hard to do so, seeing that the player has not done much in two seasons to raise his value in any way. Furthermore, with rumours that Aké will not go for anything less than £40m, Tottenham may be saving money with Bailly too.